The deteriorating global economic environment would significantly impact the recruitment market in 2009. Even in countries expecting GDP growth in 2009, the impact of the financial slowdown is restricting recruitment. A key challenge for staffing firms is dealing with the growing number of job applicants.

In the US, temporary employment declined by 76,000 jobs in January 2009, the 24th monthly reduction in temporary jobs over the last 25 months. The decline of 22.7% on a year-over-year basis was the largest decline since 1990. In Canada, employment fell by 129,000 in January 2009, driving the unemployment rate up to 7.2%. UK GDP growth is forecast to decline by 1.3% in 2009. In France too, the macro-economic environment is weakening faster than what was expected.

The publicly traded staffing companies have seen their share prices fall drastically. Analysts have downgraded the forecast earnings for these companies.

Global staffing companies feel they are in a better position than smaller companies to manage the current crisis. Smaller staffing agencies are more vulnerable to an economic recession because they depend on high margins to ensure profitability.

However, recruitment agencies remain optimistic. They are adopting techniques to manage the crisis. They are training consultants and targeting new businesses. They are also evaluating their business models and focusing on cost cutting measures. Staffing companies are trying to achieve their targets with a smaller client base.

Recruiters with better geographical as well as sector diversification are in a better position to handle the financial downturn. Recruitment companies are strengthening their position in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, India, Latin America and Asia. The focus on these markets is becoming an integral part of their long-term strategy. The increasing penetration of temporary staffing is creating potential opportunities for staffing companies in these emerging economies.

Most recruitment agencies believe that there would be a clear picture of industry outlook after the first quarter of 2009.

The report analyzes the global recruitment market, with focus on US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, China and India. It analyzes the regional market size, key trends and market forecast. Apart from providing a competitive landscape of the market, the report also profiles the major staffing companies, with a discussion of their key business strategies and significant developments.

1. Industry Snapshot

1.1 Industry Definition
1.2 SIC Classification
1.3 Value Chain

2. Global Recruitment Market

2.1 Market Overview
2.2 Market Size
 
Market Value
Market Segments
Market by Region

2.3 Key Trends

Permanent Market - More Cyclical
Low Penetration Rates in Emerging Markets
 
2.4 Market Forecast

3. United States Recruitment Market
 
3.1 Market Overview
3.2 Market Size

Market Value
Market Segments
Market Growth
 
3.3 Key Trends

Impact of Economic Slowdown on Smaller Staffing Companies
Flexibility in Working Environment
Staffing Spending to Slow
Temporary Staffing Demand Trend
 
3.4 Competitive Landscape

Market Ranking
Online Market Share

3.5 Market Forecast

4. Canadian Recruitment Market 

4.1 Market Overview

Employment Services Sales
Market by Province

4.2 Key Trends

Bill to Regulate the Industry
Attracting and Retaining Skilled Talent
Online Recruitment Trend
Foreign Worker Recruitment to Decline

4.3 Competitive Landscape
4.4 Market Forecast

5. Germany Recruitment Market 

5.1 Market Size

Market Value
Growth Rate

5.2 Key Trends

Healthcare Leading in Online Recruitment Demand
Staffing Growth Leads GDP Growth
Low Penetration Rates in Germany
Market Potential in Professional Staffing
Temporary Work Driving Industry Growth

5.3 Competitive Landscape
5.4 Market Forecast

6. United Kingdom Recruitment Market 

6.1 Market Overview

Market Value
 
6.2 Key Trends

Permanent Placement – An Important Revenue Source
New and Small Companies Face Stiff Competition
Skills Shortages to Continue
High Staff Turnover Concerns Clients
Recruitment Staff Shortages
 
6.3 Competitive Landscape
6.4 Market Forecast

7. France Recruitment Market 

7.1 Market Overview

Market Value
Growth Rate

7.2 Key Trends

Moderate Penetration Rates Make the Market Lucrative
Favorable Regulatory Climate
Rising Headcount Investment
Companies Working on Image Building Exercises

7.3 Competitive Landscape
7.4 Market Forecast

8. Chinese Recruitment Market 

8.1 Market Overview
8.2 Key Trends

MNCs Remain Optimistic in China Despite Decline in Hiring Plans
China Crisis for Talent
Chinese Graduates Struggling with Slim Job Market
Online Spending is Expected to Grow Rapidly in China
Foreign Capital Pushes into Chinese Recruitment Market
Employees Want Quick Career Advancement and Attractive Job Titles

8.3 Competitive Landscape
8.4 Market Forecast

9. Indian Recruitment Market 

9.1 Market Overview
9.2 Key Trends

Trade Liberalization Leads to Increase in Manpower Demand
E-Recruitment – Major Growth Driver
Talent Crunch to Impact Recruitment Agencies
High Attrition Rate
Employee Referral Websites
Recruitment Process Outsourcing in India
Payrolling - An Alternative to Layoffs
 
9.3 Competitive Landscape
9.4 Market Forecast

10. Market Outlook – Expert Opinion

11. Company Profiles

11.1 Adecco

Overview
Business Strategies
Focus on Emerging Markets
Margin-focused Strategy

11.2 Randstad

Overview
Business Strategies
Strategic Acquisition of Vedior
Brand Strategy
 
11.3 Manpower

Overview
Business Strategies
Permanent Recruitment Exposure
Restructuring Initiative
Split of Offices into SMB

11.4 Kelly Services

Overview
Significant Developments
Partnership with Ariba & Certiport
Expansion in Portugal

11.5 Allegis Group

Overview
Significant Developments
Renaming of its Divisions
Purchase of TVA Infotech
Acquisition of Major, Lindsey & Africa

11.6 Hays Plc

Overview
Financial Performance

List of Tables

SIC Classification of Staffing Industry
Global Market Segmentation by Region (2007)
Global Specialist Recruitment Market by Region (2007)
Temporary Market Vs Permanent Market
Global Penetration Rate Forecast by Region (2005/25E)
Growth Forecast of Staffing Markets by Region (2005/25E)
Change in Temporary Employment in US (2008-09)
US Staffing Industry Growth by Segments (2007)
US Staffing Growth in Professional Market by Segments (2006-08)
US Recruitment Market Ranking (2007)
US Online Recruitment Market Share (2007)
Canadian Employment Figures by Sector (2008-09)
Canadian Monster Employment Index (2007-08)
UK Recruitment Market Share (2007)
Temporary Job Market: China Vs India
Online Ad Spending in China (2006/10E)
India Hiring Outlook by Sector (2008-09E)
India Hiring Outlook by Region (2008-09E)
Geographical Breakdown of Sales of Staffing Companies (2007)
Adecco - Sales Growth by Region (2008-10E)
Randstad - Sales Growth by Region (2008-10E)
Manpower - Sales Growth by Region (2007-08)
Manpower - Increasing Exposure of Permanent Recruitment (1999/07)
Efficiency Statistics of Major Global Staffing Firms (2007)
Kelly Services - Revenue by Segment (2006-08)

List of Charts

Value Chain of Staffing Industry
Global Recruitment Market Value (2001-07)
Global Recruitment Market by Region (2007)
Global Recruitment Market by Segment (2007)
Global Penetration Rate Comparison by Region (2007)
US Annual Temporary & Contract Staffing Employment (2002-07)
US Temporary and Contract Staffing Industry Sales (2002-07)
US Staffing Industry Sales by Segment (2002-07)
US Staffing Industry Breakdown (2008E)
US Temporary Staffing by Skill (2008)
US Employment Service Revenue Forecast by Type (2012)
US Job Growth Forecast by Sector (2016)
Canada - Operating Revenue of Employment Services Industry (2001-06)
Canada - Operating Revenue Breakdown by Province (2006)
Canada - Sales Breakdown by Segment (2006)
Canada - Comparison of Operating Metrics of Top 20 Firms (2006)
German Recruitment Market Size (2004-07)
German Recruitment Market Growth (2000-07)
Germany: GDP Growth Vs Staffing Growth (2001-07)
German Recruitment Market Penetration Rate (2000-07)
Employment Profiles: Germany Vs UK and France
German Recruitment Market Share
UK Recruitment Market Size (2006-08)
France GDP Growth Vs Temporary Staff Numbers (2001-07)
France Staffing Market Growth (2007-08)
French Temporary Employment Numbers (2001-07)
French Recruitment Market Penetration Rate (2002-07)
French Recruitment Market Share
Chinese Online Recruitment Market Share (2008)
Chinese Recruitment Market Forecast (2006-09E)
Chinese Online Recruitment Market Forecast (2006-09E)
Indian Recruitment Market Value (2001-06)
Indian Recruitment Market - Competitive Scenario
Largest Staffing Firms by Revenues (2007)
Adecco - Emerging Markets Sales by Geography (Q308)
Hays - UK & Ireland Sales by Specialist Activity (2008)